Stoke boss Mark Hughes has emphasised his confidence that Saido Berahino will soon be scoring goals for the club.

Berahino’s wait for his first goal for the Potters, who he joined from West Brom in January, extended to a 10th appearance with Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Hull.

Berahino arrived at Stoke having not played first-team football since September, a spell out of action that included an eight-week FA ban after he tested positive for a recreational drug.

“I think everybody can see he is getting stronger. He needs a goal, which is what all strikers need, just to settle into a club,” Hughes said. “He’s been close in recent weeks and it’s only a matter of time.

“He will score goals before the end of the season, we are convinced of that – and even if he doesn’t he is going to be in great shape for next year.

“We were always of the view that next season would be when he could really hit the ground running, with a full pre-season behind him.

“But we’ve been really pleased with what he has produced up to this point and he is continuing to progress.

“He will probably be disappointed when the season ends, because he’s only just starting to get going.”

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has emphasised his confidence that Saido Berahino will soon be scoring goals for the club.

Berahino’s wait for his first goal for the Potters, who he joined from West Brom in January, extended to a 10th appearance with Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Hull.

Berahino arrived at Stoke having not played first-team football since September, a spell out of action that included an eight-week FA ban after he tested positive for a recreational drug.

“I think everybody can see he is getting stronger. He needs a goal, which is what all strikers need, just to settle into a club,” Hughes said. “He’s been close in recent weeks and it’s only a matter of time.

“He will score goals before the end of the season, we are convinced of that – and even if he doesn’t he is going to be in great shape for next year.

“We were always of the view that next season would be when he could really hit the ground running, with a full pre-season behind him.

“But we’ve been really pleased with what he has produced up to this point and he is continuing to progress.

“He will probably be disappointed when the season ends, because he’s only just starting to get going.”